Community Engagement Center (CEC)

The Center for California Cultural and Social Issues (CCCSI) is now the Community Engagement Center (CEC).

Since its founding in 1963, Pitzer College has been committed to teaching students to be responsible citizens of communities both local and global by applying the study of liberal arts to concrete actions that benefit others. With the generous support of two major contributors, the W.M. Keck and James Irvine Foundations, Pitzer established the Community Engagement Center (formerly the Center for California Cultural and Social Issues or CCCSI) in 1999 to further this commitment through a variety of programs integrating work in the field with work in the classroom.

CEC works in the community creating partnerships, not to dispense "expert" solutions to pre-defined needs, but to identify and engage resources — both human and material — within the community.

Under the leadership and guidance of the Steering Committee, the Center supports innovative community-based projects by offering research awards and fellowships. In turn, the Center's community partners present faculty and students with extraordinary opportunities to engage in applied problem-solving activities.

Community Based Education connects students and faculty with local organizations to create community-based research, service learning and experiential education opportunities that enhance the social, environmental, cultural and economic health of our communities. CEC serves as a liaison between the academic institution and community partners, provides internship opportunities, and assistance with funding and programming, as well as providing logistical support to students, faculty, staff, and community partners.

If you would like to learn more about CEC please visit the following pages.

• Annual Report
• Founding Contributors
• CEC Steering Committee
• Community Engagement Faculty Network
• Impact of Community Engaged Education at Pitzer
• Events

CEC Contact Info

• Tessa Hicks Peterson, Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement - 607-3061, Avery Hall 107
• Martha Bárcenas-Mooradian, Associate Director - 607-3301, Avery Hall 106
• Tricia Morgan, Office Manager - 607-8184, Bernard Core
• Jenessa A. Flores, Urban Fellow - 607-8502, Bernard Core
• Daria Nuñez, Urban Fellow - 607-8183, Avery Hall 105

Office Hours

Please note that we now have two offices: Bernard Core, 2nd Floor and Avery 105-107. CEC is open during normal business hours (8 am to 5 pm). We are available for walk-ins during our office hours which are listed below. We're also available by appointment.

Mail correspondence to:

Community Engagement Center
Pitzer College
1050 N. Mills Ave.
Claremont, CA 91711

Telephone: 909.607.8183
Email: cec_staff@pitzer.edu